Albany Symphony Orchestra conductor David Alan Miller spent some time with Latham Ridge fifth graders on March 3, giving a presentation on conducting, and what it means to be an orchestra conductor. Miller taught students some basic conducting patterns and a few conducted their peers through “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”. Miller also played the opening from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony on the piano.

He related the process of learning the music he conducts to “trying to fix a car by taking it apart before putting it back together.” Miller told students how he analyzes all of the chords, learns the instrument parts, and focuses on how it all comes together.

After Miller’s presentation, the fifth graders sang a piece of their chorus music for him. The students were very inquisitive, asking what Miller’s favorite piece of music is.

“It’s kind of like children,” said Miller. “Whatever one you’re with at the moment! I love all of them.”